The Effect of Different Dental Implant Surface Characteristics on Immunological and Microbiological Parameters

PICF was collected from the mesio-buccal area of the implant by using paper tapes. Paper tapes were placed 1-2 mm inside the peri-implant sulcus by using a dental tweezer. After they were kept for 30 s, the paper tapes were placed in sterile microcentrifuge tubes which contained 200 µL phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). The tubes were kept at -80°C until the analysis day. TNF-α, PGE2, RANKL, RANK, and OPG, which are immunological markers of peri-implant disease were compared between groups.

Subgingival plaque samples were collected about 15 min after PICF was collected. Supragingival plaque was carefully removed by using a sterile scale. Implants were isolated using cotton rolls and dried with an air spray. Subgingival plaque samples were collected from the mesio-buccal area of the implant by using sterile plastic Gracey curettes during 30 s (Hu-Friedy). The samples collected were transferred to sterile microcentrifuge tubes containing 200 µL PBS. The tubes were kept at -80°C until the analysis day. Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, Tannerella forsythia, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella intermedia, and Streptococcus oralis, which are microbiological agents of peri-implantitis were compared between groups.

Clinical periodontal measurements were recorded using Williams probe. The plaque index, gingival index, pocket depth, bleeding on probing, clinical attachment level, and keratinised tissue width around the implant were recorded. The implants included were categorised into three groups, namely, healthy, peri-implant mucositis, and peri-implantitis. Panoramic radiographs were acquired to assess the interproximal bone levels around the implant.

Age, gender and state of smoking were compared between groups.